Search Results (233)

Background/Objectives: Diabetes mellitus is defined as a group of metabolic diseases characterized by chronically elevated blood glucose levels. This condition influences the course of orthodontic treatment, as it affects various clinical aspects of the patient that must be taken into consideration prior to initiation. Therefore, achieving adequate control and management of diabetic patients undergoing orthodontic therapy is essential. This article presents a qualitative synthesis of studies addressing how diabetes affects orthodontic treatments, emphasizing the importance of understanding the necessary considerations prior to initiating treatment and how to manage potential complications. Methods: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. A database search was performed on 5 May 2025, in PubMed, Scopus, Scielo, and The Cochrane Library, using terms related to “diabetes mellitus” and “orthodontic treatments”. Studies meeting the search criteria were included, particularly those that were published in the past ten years and reported on the influence of diabetes on orthodontic treatment. The quality of the case–control studies was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS); for cross-sectional studies, the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklist was used; and for experimental studies, the SYRCLE’s Risk of Bias Tool was applied. Results: Fourteen studies ultimately met the inclusion criteria. The evidence showed that diabetes increases gingival bleeding due to elevated levels of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) and pro-inflammatory cytokines; reduces the efficiency of tooth movement; increases root resorption and affects bone remodeling; and compromises both periodontal and pulpal responses, thereby hindering tissue regeneration. It was also observed that the use of insulin or antidiabetic agents such as metformin may partially mitigate these adverse effects. Conclusions: This systematic review reveals a clear relationship between diabetes and various clinical aspects that influence the progression of orthodontic treatments. Nonetheless, further studies are needed to better understand the impact of this systemic condition on dental treatment outcomes. Full article

This research focused on the development of an edible coat made of corn waste arabinoxylan enriched with nanohybrids of zinc layered hydroxide salt and thymol (ZnHSL, ZnHSL-T). The crystallographic phase was confirmed with XRD (ICDD card 07-0155) and SEM. Filmogenic solutions prepared with the polysaccharide (AX) containing thymol (T), ZnHSL, and ZnHSL-T (AXT, AXH, and AXHT, respectively) were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, color, thickness, transparency, and moisture content, where AXHT exhibited the thinnest layer. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of the coatings was evaluated by the inhibition of ABTS radical, proving that thymol was present in the filmogenic solutions with inhibitions of 90%. Also, edible coatings were applied on cherry tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme) and stored for 12 days, a period during which physicochemical properties (weight loss, color, lycopene content, soluble solids, pH, and titratable acidity) and Salmonella survival (serovar Enteritidis, Typhimurium, and Montevideo) were evaluated. Results demonstrated that AXHT had less weight loss than the control, and the other physicochemical properties of tomatoes were preserved. Regarding pathogen adherence, AXHT reduced the bacterial survival for Salmonella Enteritidis, S. Typhimurium, and S. Montevideo in 25, 30, and 45%, respectively, by day 12. The findings of this research demonstrate the application of nanotechnology to biopolymers, enabling the production of safer foods with acceptable quality parameters for consumers. Full article

Background: The prevalence of malnutrition is high in post-intensive care unit (ICU) coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients during hospitalization and after hospital discharge. This paper presents prospective results from the NutriEcoMuscle study, a multicenter observational study. The study aimed to evaluate changes in nutritional and functional status in post-ICU COVID-19 patients following nutritional and physical rehabilitation interventions. Secondary aims included assessing adherence to and tolerance of the oral nutritional supplement (ONS) used in the nutritional intervention. Methods: The study enrolled adults who had been admitted to the ICU due to severe COVID-19. At hospital discharge, the patients underwent a nutritional intervention based on oral nutritional supplements (ONSs) with 100% serum lactoprotein enriched with leucine and vitamin D and a physical rehabilitation program. They were followed up during three months. Performed assessments included Subjective Global Assessment (SGA), Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria, Barthel index (BI), handgrip strength and Timed Up and Go test, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), nutritional ultrasound (US), and tolerance and adherence to ONS. Sample size was calculated based on handgrip strength, and parametric and non-parametric tests were used to assess differences between the baseline and three-month outcomes. Results: The study included 96 patients (71.9% male, mean age 58.8 years, mean body mass index (BMI) of 28.8 kg/m², 36.5% obese). A total of 85 patients (62 men and 23 women) completed the 90-day follow-up. The mean weight gain after the intervention was 6.8 (SD 5.2) kg (similar in men and women; p = 0.263). The proportion of patients with malnutrition according to the SGA or GLIM criteria decreased from 100% to 11.8% and 36.4%, respectively (p < 0.00001 in both cases). The proportion of patients with functional limitations by BI decreased from 66.7% to 27.0% (p < 0.0001). Handgrip strength increased more than 40% in both men and women (p < 0.00001). The time to perform the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test decreased more than 40% in both men and women (p < 0.00001). According to BIA, the mean fat mass did not increase significantly in either men or women. The mean fat-free mass index (FFMI) increased significantly in both men and women. There were also significant increases in body cell mass, skeletal muscle mass index, and appendicular skeletal muscle mass index. The phase angle (PhA) increased significantly in both men (26.5%) and women (17.4%). In a multivariate analysis, age and baseline PhA were related to the PhA increase (adjusted R² = 0.5573). The US study showed a significant increase in the mean measurements of muscle area, muscle circumference, X-axis, and Y-axis in the rectus femoris. Regarding abdominal fat, there were no significant increases in total, superficial, or preperitoneal adipose tissue by US. Participants engaged in a median interquartile range (IQR) of 70 (0–120) min/week of strength exercise and 60 (0–120) min/week of moderate physical exercise. The supplement was well tolerated, and poor adherence (less than 50%) was low (4% of the participants). Conclusions: A three-month intervention, including ONS and physical rehabilitation, is associated with a significant improvement in nutritional and functional status. Patients gained weight primarily by increasing their muscle mass. There was no significant increase in fat mass, as measured by BIA or US. The intervention was well tolerated and had good adherence. Full article

Background/Objectives: Genetic variants, such as the µ-opioid receptor 1 (OPRM1) rs1799971 and the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) rs4680, have been considered among the potential causes in the development of some chronic pain conditions. In this regard, there are controversial results regarding their roles in fibromyalgia (FM). We aimed to investigate whether the OPRM1 rs1799971 and COMT rs4680 polymorphisms are associated with the development of or susceptibility to FM, as well as their potential association with syndrome characteristic variables, in a sample of the Spanish population with and without FM. Methods: The present study analysed COMT Val158Met and OPRM1 Asn40Asp genetic variants in 311 FM patients (301 women and 10 men) and 135 non-FM participants (120 women and 15 men). In addition to clinical variables, widespread pain index (WPI), symptom severity scale (SSS) (fatigue, rest quality, and cognitive symptoms), pain, stress episodes, and Borg scale were collected. Results: The main results indicate that women carrying the Val/Val genotype (i.e., high COMT activity) exhibited significantly lower levels of fatigue, cognitive impairment, and total SSS than heterozygote carriers. In addition, Met allele carriers (i.e., lower COMT activity) showed higher probabilities of suffering a stress episode and higher levels of exertion during daily activities. Conclusions: The present research suggests a link between dopaminergic dysfunction and exacerbated, frequently described symptoms in female FM patients. Although further research with wider genetic variants and recruited patients is needed, these results point out the necessity of considering gender as a separate category in chronic pain studies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Rapid palatal expansion is commonly used to correct maxillary deficiencies. However, medications like Isotretinoin may influence bone remodeling during treatment. Isotretinoin, a drug used to treat acne, was the focus of this study, which aimed to evaluate its effect on bone repair after rapid palatal suture expansion in rats. Methods: The sample consisted of 40 Wistar rats, divided into two groups: the control group (CG), subjected only to orthodontic movement, and the experimental isotretinoin group (IG), where movement occurred after drug administration. Periods of 0, 7, and 14 days after the installation of the orthodontic device were analyzed, with a force of 30 g applied in all groups using a steel spring. After euthanasia, the maxillae were removed and analyzed via Micro-CT, histologically, and histomorphometrically. Results: The results showed that the expander was effective in promoting the expansion of the palatal suture. After 14 days, the total expansion was 381% (CG) and 299% (IG); the percentage of vessels in the connective tissue increased by 145% in CG and 84% in IG; and bone formation in both groups occupied 52% of the expanded palatal suture. No significant differences were observed between the groups regarding collagen fiber formation. Conclusions: It was concluded that the daily administration of Isotretinoin at the standard dose for the treatment of severe acne does not cause significant alterations in the bone repair process following the opening of the median palatine suture in rats. Full article

Background: Chronic venous disease (CVD) is a vascular disorder common among pregnant women, due to the impairment in the venous function associated with the mechanical, hemodynamical, and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. CVD is linked to venous hypertension, inflammation, oxidative stress, and hypoxia, which alter placental structure and function, as demonstrated in previous works. The placenta fulfills several roles in fetal development and maternal well-being by mediating nutrient exchange; acting as a mechanical, chemical, and immunological shield; and producing essential hormones, making it crucial to investigate the effects of CVD in this organ. Patients and methods: This work specifically analyzes the gene expression of circadian markers (CLOCK, BMAL1, PER1, and PER2), epigenetic regulators (HAT1 and associated molecules like histones H3, H4, RBBP7, and ASF1), and the anti-aging protein KLOTHO in placental tissue of pregnant women with CVD (CVD-PW, N = 98) compared to healthy pregnant controls (HC-PW, N = 82), using RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC) to determine protein expression. Results: Our study demonstrates that the placentas of CVD-PW exhibit the reduced gene and protein levels of circadian regulators (clock, bmal1, per1, and per2), increased expression of hat1 and related proteins (h3, h4, rbbp7, and asf1), and decreased klotho expression, indicative of accelerated aging. Conclusions: These findings highlight profound molecular disturbances in the placentas of women with CVD, offering insights into the disease’s pathophysiology and potential implications for maternofetal well-being. While this study deepens our understanding of the relationship between CVD and placental dysfunction, further research is required to fully elucidate these mechanisms and their long-term effects. Full article

High-entropy alloys are novel metallic materials distinguished by very special mechanical and chemical properties that are superior to classical alloys, attracting high global interest for the study and development thereof for different applications. This work presents the creation and characterisation of an FeMoTaTiZr high-entropy alloy composed of chemical constituents with relatively low biotoxicity for human use, suitable for medical tools such as surgical scissors, blades, or other cutting tools. The alloy microstructure is dendritic in an as-cast state. The chemical composition of the FeMoTaTiZr alloy micro-zone revealed that the dendrites especially contain Mo and Ta, while the inter-dendritic matrix contains a mixture of Ti, Fe, and Zr. The structural characterisation of the alloy, carried out via X-ray diffraction, shows that the main phases formed in the FeMoTaTiZr matrix are fcc (Ti₇Zr₃)_0.2 and hcp Ti₂Fe after annealing at 900 °C for 2 h, followed by water quenching. After a second heat treatment performed at 900 °C for 15 h in an argon atmosphere followed by argon flow quenching, the homogeneity of the alloy was improved, and a new compound like Fe_3.2Mo_2.1, Mo_0.93Zr_0.07, and Zr(MoO₄)₂ appeared. The microhardness increased over 6% after this heat treatment, from 694 to 800 HV_0.5, but after the second annealing and quenching, the hardness decreased to 730 HV_0.5. Additionally, a Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) cytotoxicity assay was performed. Mesenchymal stem cells proliferated on the new FeMoTaTiZr alloy to a confluence of 80–90% within 10 days of analysis in wells where the cells were cultured on and in the presence of the alloy. When using normal human fibroblasts (NHF), both in wells with cells cultured on metal alloys and in those without alloys, an increase in LDH activity was observed. Therefore, it can be considered that certain cytolysis phenomena (cytotoxicity) occurred because of the more intense proliferation of this cell line due to the overcrowding of the culture surface with cells. Full article

The increasing use of high-resolution cross-sectional imaging has significantly enhanced the detection of pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs), including pseudocysts and neoplastic entities such as IPMN, MCN, and SCN. However, accurate categorization of PCLs remains a challenge. This study aims to improve PCL evaluation by developing and validating a radiomics-based software tool leveraging machine learning (ML) for lesion classification. The model categorizes PCLs into mucinous and non-mucinous types using a custom dataset of 261 CT examinations, with 156 images for training and 105 for external validation. Three experienced radiologists manually delineated the images, extracting 38 radiological and 214 radiomic features using the Pyradiomics module in Python 3.13.2. Feature selection was performed using Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression, followed by classification with an Adaptive Boosting (AdaBoost) model trained on the optimized feature set. The proposed model achieved an accuracy of 89.3% in the internal validation cohort and demonstrated robust performance in the external validation cohort, with 90.2% sensitivity, 80% specificity, and 88.2% overall accuracy. Comparative analysis with existing radiomics-based studies showed that the proposed model either outperforms or performs on par with the current state-of-the-art methods, particularly in external validation scenarios. These findings highlight the potential of radiomics-driven machine learning approaches in enhancing PCL diagnosis across diverse patient populations. Full article

Background/Objectives: The 2018 World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRF/AICR) cancer prevention recommendations benefit primary prevention and survivor outcomes. This study evaluated the adherence to these recommendations during the year prior to breast cancer diagnosis and identified related clinical and sociodemographic factors. Methods: A total of 915 patients with breast cancer were recruited from eight hospitals in four regions of Spain. The participants completed an epidemiologic questionnaire and a food frequency questionnaire. The compliance with the WCRF/AICR recommendations was assessed using a standardized score based on seven recommendations. Standardized prevalences and standardized prevalence ratios (SPRs) for moderate and high adherence were calculated based on participant characteristics using binary and multinomial logistic regression models. Results: The mean adherence was 3.5 points out of 7. The recommendations with the best and worst adherence were avoiding sugar-sweetened drinks (54.4% adherence) and maintaining a fiber-rich diet (4.4% consumed ≥30 g/day). The overall adherence was better in women aged ≥60 years (SPR = 1.55; 95% CI = 1.09–2.22), and worse in those with a caloric intake ≥2000 kcal/day (SPR = 0.48; 95% CI = 0.37–0.62) or ≥2 comorbidities (SPR = 0.66; 95% CI = 0.49–0.89). The adherence to maintaining a healthy weight was worse in those with ≥2 comorbidities and stage III-IV tumors. The physical activity adherence was worse in working women and those with ≥2 comorbidities. The alcohol restriction adherence was worse in smokers. Younger women, smokers and those with a low calorie intake were less adherent to the fruit/vegetable recommendation. The consumption of fiber and limited consumption of red/processed meat adherence was poor in all the subgroups. The adherence to a limited consumption of fast food and sugary drinks was worse in younger women and high-calorie-diet consumers. Conclusions: The differences in the adherence to recommendations according to patient characteristics justify the design of personalized interventions for breast cancer patients. Full article

Background: Unilateral mastication (UM), defined as the habitual use of one side of the mouth for chewing, has been linked to various craniofacial asymmetries and systemic effects. This study aims to explore the relationship between UM and nasal airway asymmetry, investigating whether a habitual chewing side correlates with a narrowed nostril. These findings provide a preliminary understanding of how chewing practices might impact craniofacial anatomy and respiratory health. Methods: A pilot study involving 24 adults aged 18 and older was conducted. Inclusion criteria excluded individuals with prior orthodontic treatment or edentulism. The habitual chewing side was determined through self-report and direct observation of chewing gum activity. Nostril dimensions were assessed using ImageJ^® 1.54 software by blinded observers. Statistical analysis, including Fisher’s exact test and Kruskal-Wallis test, was performed using R version 4.4.1 to examine associations between the chewing side and nasal asymmetry. Results: Half of the participants (50%) preferred the right side for chewing. A significant association was found between the chewing side and the smaller nostril (p < 0.001). Participants with a smaller right nostril consistently preferred chewing on the right side, with a large effect size (ϕ = 0.845). No significant differences in age were observed across nostril groups (p = 0.47). Conclusions: This study reveals a strong association between unilateral mastication and nasal airway asymmetry, highlighting the potential role of chewing habits in influencing craniofacial development. These findings emphasize the need for further longitudinal studies to explore the systemic and aesthetic implications of habitual chewing patterns. Full article

The early immune kinetics after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination remain poorly understood, particularly among individuals with low-count monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL^lo). We investigated the cellular and humoral kinetics in the blood of 50 non-MBL healthy donors (HD) vs. 16 MBL^lo subjects after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, who were subclassified according to their history of previous exposure to SARS-CoV-2 into SARS-CoV-2 naïve and previously infected subjects. Overall, we found decreased neutrophil and lymphocyte counts at day +4 following each dose in non-MBL HD, together with an earlier and higher increase in plasma cell (PC) counts and SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody levels after the first vaccine in previously infected non-MBL HD. MBL^lo subjects showed a similar profile, except for lower B-cell and higher PC counts after vaccination, and a trend towards a higher (but delayed) antibody response. In summary, we found different cell-kinetic profiles following vaccination in SARS-CoV-2 naïve vs. previously infected non-MBL HD (earlier PC and antibody responses in the latter group); additionally, MBL^lo subjects had significantly lower B-cell and higher PC counts after vaccination, and a delayed SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody response. Full article

Background: Chronic venous disease (CVD) comprises a set of vascular disorders that affect the venous system with important local and systemic repercussions. A growing body of evidence displays the relationship between suffering from CVD and a marked deregulation of the immune inflammatory system. In this sense, the previous literature has reported some significant changes in the level of various circulating inflammatory parameters in these patients. However, more research is required to detail and deepen this complex relationship. Methods: In this work, we studied, using a multiplex technique, the levels of circulating cytokines and chemokines detectable in the serum of 40 patients with CVD and compared it with 38 healthy controls (HCs). In parallel, we performed Spearman’s correlation analysis to explore potential inflammatory networks in CVD. Results: In this study, we measured circulating cytokines and chemokines in CVD patients using a multiplex assay. Results showed increased levels of several pro-inflammatory mediators (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-12, IL-17A, IL-23, TNF-α, IFN-γ, fractalkine, ITAC, and GM-CSF) and a decrease in IL-13, with no significant changes in IL-4, IL-10, IL-21, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, or MIP-3α. The Spearman correlation analysis revealed strong, positive correlations among several inflammatory mediators in HC, particularly between TNF-alpha, IL-1β, IL-17A, and IL-23, forming a highly interconnected cytokine network. In contrast, CVD patients showed fewer, weaker, and distinct correlations, with new associations such as IFN-γ with IL-1β and IL-23, suggesting a disrupted inflammatory profile. Conclusions: The distinct inflammatory profile in CVD patients, characterized by altered cytokine and chemokine levels and a less coordinated cytokine network, underscores the reconfiguration of inflammatory pathways in this condition. These findings highlight potential therapeutic targets aimed at restoring immune balance and mitigating chronic inflammation in CVD. Full article

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) are a family of materials that, because of their particular characteristics and possible uses in a variety of industries, have garnered a lot of interest recently. One such promising HEA is the MoNbTaTiZr high-entropy alloy, which displays excellent corrosion resistance and biocompatibility alongside good mechanical properties. Another promising HEA that has attracted researchers for its potential applications in various fields is FeMoTaTiZr. Exchanging one of the elements may result in important variation of properties of a material. This work studies two different samples of high-entropy alloys, MoNbTaTiZr (named NbHEA) and FeMoTaTiZr (named FeHEA), both generated in a laboratory context using electric-arc remelting technology, keeping similar atomic percentage of the elements in both alloys. Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy techniques were used to characterize the microstructure of the alloys. Replacing Nb for Fe affects the distribution proportion of the other four elements, since Fe has a higher tendency than Nb to form part of the inter-dendrite region. An evaluation of the properties related to the corrosion process was accomplished using the polarization method along with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), performed under a simulated biological environment. As a result, FeHEA showed a higher corrosion rate in simulated body fluid than NbHEA. Full article

Background: Emerging evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccines may trigger autoimmune responses in predisposed individuals. Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) are diseases with diverse clinical manifestations, often associated with myositis autoantibodies (MAs). Diagnosing IIM is challenging due to limitations in classification criteria and diagnostic assays. This study aimed to describe the incidence of IIM following SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination and compare rates between exposures. Methods: A multicenter observational study was conducted with 788 patients from 11 Spanish referral centers. A total of 1209 autoantibodies including myositis-specific autoantibodies (MSAs) and myositis-associated autoantibodies (MAAs), were analyzed using line blot immunoassay (LIA). Results: The study identified distinct patterns in aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase (ARS) antibody frequencies compared to pre-pandemic periods. Anti-PL-7 was the most prevalent ARS antibody (14.85%), while anti-Jo-1 was less frequent (7.23%). Anti-MDA5, commonly linked to SARS-CoV-2 infection, was detected in 11.68%. ANA positivity was observed in 60.66%, suggesting an autoimmune background. The most frequent diagnoses were anti-synthetase syndrome (ASSD) or IIM-non-ASSD (21.31%), followed by other systemic autoimmune diseases (SAIDs) (13.57%). Among the cohort, 91.13% received at least one dose of a messenger RNA (mRNA) COVID-19 vaccine, with a median of three doses per patient. Patients with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection or heterologous vaccination showed a higher frequency of multiple autoantibody positivity (p < 0.05), reflecting distinct immune signatures. Conclusions: This study provides valuable insights into the autoimmune risks and phenotypes associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination, establishing a basis for further research on IIM and its link to MSAs and MAAs. Full article